Virginia TechGovernance Minutes Archive

December 12, 1989

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Faculty Senate
12 December 1989
1008 Pamplin Hall
7:30 p.m.
Present:Senators Arnold, Batie, Baumgartner, Birch, Conn, Crittenden, de
Wolf, Dudley, Duke, Eiss, Etgen, Farkas, Geyer, Goss, Hillison,
Kingston, Kriz, McDaniels, Marriott, O'Neil, Polan, Saunders,
Scanlon, Snoke, Thompson, Ventre, Wokutch.
Absent: Senators Barker, Beyer, Bunce, Canestaro, Dugger,Eng, Geller,
Morrill, Nielsen, Salvaggio, Sorrentino,Walker, Webster.
Visitors: Ms. Susan Truelove (Spectrum), Mr. Ken Martin, Daniel House
(Roanoke Times and World News), Vivian Allen.
President Scanlon called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.and welcomed
guests.
1. Agenda
The agenda was adopted with the addition of 1) discussion of fees for
swimming pool usage during break and 2) tenure.
2. Program
Dr. Cornell Morton, Director, Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action
discussed his office and how the faculty might help. He began by
explaining that equal opportunity and affirmative action are different and
that you arrive at equal opportunity by taking affirmative action steps.
He stated, "When we make the campus more accessible to women and
minorities, we make for a better campus climate." Over the next several
weeks the University will prepare a plan for affirmative action. In
January a retreat will be held for deans.
He suggested faculty could help by taking a personal interest in students,
evaluating how we stereotype minorities, and calling students by their
names. He encouraged each department to develop their own affirmative
action plan.
3. Announcements
a. Executive officers or Senate President have met with the following
during the month:
1. President McComas and discussed growth issues, Woodrow Wilson
College, employee-at-will issues, the 1% budget reversion, and
peer institutions.
2. Provost Carlisle and discussed the advising task force report,
peer institutions and summer school.
3. Vice President Ridenour, Dr. Ford and J.B. Sutphin concerning
traffic routing proposals and the effects on campus programs.
Also discussed the 1% reversion proposal with the vice president.
b. President Scanlon met with the Montgomery County NAACP President Oscar
Williams, attended a local leaders/legislators breakfast where
University budget proposals were presented, and attended a Chamber of
Commerce luncheon where a presentation was made by Harry Hunt
concerning University enrollments.
c. A draft letter to department heads which will accompany the Advising
Task Force report is being circulated for input by the end of the
meeting.
4. Minutes
The minutes of the Faculty Senate meeting of November 14, 1989 were
approved with the correction that Senator Kingston, not Senator King, is
responsible for the building committee.
The minutes of the Faculty Senate Cabinet meeting of December 1, 1989 were
accepted.
5. Council, Commission, and Committee Reports
UNIVERSITY COUNCIL-Senator Kingston-4 Dec 89
While awaiting the arrival of President McComas, who was returning from a
public relations visit with alumni and friends, Council heard a
presentation from Larry Moore on the current state of his committee's
proposals for a revision of the University governance system. His
committee will be presenting two alternative models to Council for
consideration; one will be a "cabinet" model with approximately 20
members, and the other will be a "representative" model with a council
slightly larger than its current 44 members. His committee will also
propose the creation of one new commission, the Commission on Academic
and Institutional Support, and the renaming of the Commission on
Extension to the Commission on Extension and Public Service.
The following two CFA resolutions were approved after Dr. McComas'
arrival:
1. Resolution 1988-89C, concerning the tenure process. This resolution
basically gives faculty members appointed as assistant professor from
a previous VPI&SU appointment as instructor or lecturer the same
opportunity of restarting the tenure clock as is currently afforded
those appointed as assistant professor from an instructor or lecturer
position at another University.
2. Resolution 1988-89F. This resolution deals with the matter of
confidentiality in the functioning of the Reconciliation Committee.
Council also approved the minutes of various commissions, and Dr. McComas
indicated that we now have a new group of benchmark institutions.
COMMISSION ON EXTENSION-Senator Marriott-12 Dec 89
It was announced that the Commission on Extension may become the
Commission on Public Service in the future. Norman Marriott reported on
the progress of the proposal for the Academy of Public Service Excellence.
Marriott reported that he met with the Commission on Faculty Affairs on
November 14 to present the proposal. Action was delayed by CFA since the
future organization and mission of public service has not been finalized.
He suggested that this proposal be shelved until February when more is
known about the direction of the public service mission. The Commission
agreed to support this suggestion and decided to consider a joint
committee of the Commission on Extension and Faculty Affairs to finalize a
viable proposal for an Academy of Public Service Excellence.
Douglas McAlister updated the Commission on the study on the "Evaluation
of Faculty Effort in Extension and Service." The Commission voted to
support this report and because of the members' concern over appropriate
rewards in extension/public service requested the Acting Vice-Provost for
Extension to meet with the Provost to address rewards for public service
and other non-research activities, especially when promotion and tenure
and salary adjustments are involved.
Ned Lester gave a summary report on continuing education programs during
the past year. He discussed on and off campus programs, including number
of participants by college, and credit and non-credit courses.
COMMISSION ON FACULTY AFFAIRS-Senator de Wolf-17 Nov 89
On behalf of the Commission on Extension, Senator N. Marriott spoke to CFA
on the merits of a proposed Academy of Public Service Excellence. Action
on the proposal will be postponed until a newly-appointed Vice-President
for Public Service is consulted. Discussions at past meetings have
centered on the meanings and roles of "extension" and "public service."
It was decided to maintain the original wording of CFA Resolution 88-89C
regarding revision of the probationary period for assistant professors,
etc., under extraordinary circumstances. The resolution will be forwarded
to University Council for final action.
No action will be taken at present with respect to involuntary change of
station of faculty.
COMMISSION ON GRADUATE STUDIES-Senator Snoke-15 Nov, 7 Dec 89
At the 15 November meeting, the Commission refined the wording of revised
definitions of the various types of graduate assistantships: Graduate
Teaching Assistants (GTA), Graduate Research Assistant (GRA), Graduate
Support Specialists (GSS, previously GA), and Graduate Project Assistants
(GPA). At the 7 December meeting, a resolution containing the revised
wording was passed. These changes were made to clarify the relationship
between assistantships and faculty positions.
At the 7 December meeting, the Commission agreed to forward to the
Registrar a request from the graduate student representatives from
the GSA that if transcripts are requested from a prospective employer
for a student who had been both a graduate student and an undergraduate
student at VPI&SU, the student should have the option of having only
the graduate-level transcript sent.
COMMISSION ON RESEARCH-Senator Arnold-no meeting
COMMISSION ON STUDENT AFFAIRS-Senator Geyer-7 Dec 89
Dr. Goodale reported on administration actions with respect to race
relations on campus. He also reported that a review of student fees and
the funding obligations for student related facilities is under review.
A resolution to add a seat on CSA for the Chief Justice of the Honor
System was passed. A resolution to amend the honor system by the
deletion of the option of grade "star" was passed. The severity of
sanctions would be adjusted as follow: Class 1 - 25-20 hours of
service, Class 2 50-40 hours of service, Class 3 - 75-80 hours of
service.
Selected members of the commission are reviewing housing for
international students during semester breaks. Payment for student
leaders remains under review. Student leaders expressed a desire to
have a fall break. A reduction as to whether this would come as a
reduction in class hours or as an extended semester was discussed.
Report on "University Task Force Report on New Student Orientation"
1. It was desired that orientation be a two-day event.
2. Academic instruction would be left in the hands of academic deans.
3. Movement towards small sessions and more parent/student involvement
and some separate time for parents and students in the orientation
process.
4. Self supporting fee. Fee to cover nine-month faculty, undergraduate
and graduate students who work during orientation.
5. Registration would be completed by computer prior to student leaving
campus.
6. Emphasis on session to equal treatment of all.
7. Encouragement of a campus night experience for students and family.
8. Additional issues to be covered during orientation to include:
a) academic and social survival, b) wellness, c) financial survival,
d) getting involved on campus e) emphasis on the college experience.
Senator Crittenden suggested that the "star" issue come before Faculty
Senate.
Several concerns were expressed about the Summer Orientation report.
Specific concerns included charging, value for the money, coming away
with a class ticket, follow-up and evaluation. This should be raised as
a topic for the Q & A session at University Council. Also, Senate
Officers will meet with Dr. Goodale regarding the concerns.
COMMISSION ON UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES-Senator Salvaggio-no report
ATHLETIC COMMITTEE-Senator Saunders-9 Nov 89
The provost addressed the committee informally concerning his views of
the value of intercollegiate athletics to the university. Mr.
Ridenour explained that the function of the athletic committee was
one of information gathering and dissemination. Dave Braine announced
that Virginia Tech's athletic program was off probation. Discussions
are continuing about expanding the Metro Conference to 12 teams. An
athletic director honor roll board is now in place and has generated
much attention. It was suggested that the minutes of the athletic
committee be published in Spectrum.
BUILDING COMMITTEE-Senator Kingston-5 Sept 89
The capital outlay status report was presented; the Student Services
Project (between Burruss Hall and Derring Hall) should be completed by
Fall 1990, and the Squires Project is now expected to be completed by
Fall 1991. The Architecture/Engineering Infill auditorium may be ready
for Spring semester classes. Construction on Veterinary Medicine
Phase IVA is underway, and a contract for Phase IVB has been negotiated.
The bid for Human Resources came in under budget.
The name of the Architecture/Engineering infill was changed to the
Engineering infill, to distinguish it from the Engineering/Architecture
infill currently being requested from the legislature.
The East-West connector road was discussed; no formal action was taken.
The location of a proposed bikeway from the Hethwood area to campus was
discussed; no formal action was taken.
A new concept of building funding is being investigated by the State.
The University is proposing to build two identical office buildings
as a demonstration project for the State; one would be built with
private (Educational Foundation) funds and the other with State funds.
The buildings are proposed for the corner of Stanger and Perry streets.
The occupants of these buildings have not yet been decided.
COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK COMMITTEE-Senator Snoke-29 Nov 89
A "policy" was discussed and passed regarding connection to central
networks. It establishes procedures for individuals to follow when
making such connections. In the past, unauthorized connections have
been done in such a way that major problems were caused for other
users.
While there are few restrictions on showing video tapes in class, this
is not true for tapes shown over cable networks. When a tape is
purchased, one should be sure one has the proper clearance for showing
tapes on a network if that is how one is going to use it. The cable
people are going to refuse to show tapes which lack proper clearance.
The problem of communicating this state of affairs to the general
faculty was discussed.
At the previous meeting--with no Senate representatives--"concerns from
the faculty senate" were discussed, based on a 27 September memo from
Larry Nielsen. One question concerned task forces that the Committee
set up last spring. I have the reports. Several of the comments were
considered operational and should be handled by the Service personnel.
(Pass specific comments on to me regarding problems with installations,
maintenance, etc.) At this meeting we discussed the proposed pay for
access from off campus to the network. The bottom line seems to be that
someone has to pay, and no one else wants to. If we want to change that,
we will have to impact the system at a higher level.
At least some members of the Committee are unclear about the
relationship of the Committee to the governance system. The minutes
are duly sent on to Council, but there has been no one on Council
who had attended the meetings and the members of Council did not find
anything in the minutes that caught their attention. The result is no
feedback and the potential that real policy decisions are being made
and carried out without the review they might deserve. I am on Council
as well, so that may help in the future. But my being on both bodies
is not by design.
Topics are discussed at the Committee meetings and decisions made that
affect everyone on campus. I think the Committee should have more
visibility.
COMPUTER COMMITTEE-Senator Birch-6 Dec 89
Report from the Computing Center:
a. A new UNIX operating system is up and running under test mode on the
IBM 3090. Those wishing to use the UNIX system may obtain an account
number from the Computing Center. The system is scheduled to go into
production mode in January.
b. Changes have been made to VT Batch on VTVM1 with major modifications to
classes, region sizes, and run-time limitations. For more information, see
FASTLINE, November 9, 1989.
c. User services will move from Burruss Hall to the reference section of
the library on December 18. Room 128 of Burruss will remain staffed for
tape check-in. For more information, see FASTLINE, December 7, 1989.
Report from the Computer Capacity and Planning Subcommittee:
Given current data it is projected that the IBM 3090 (the "super
computer") will be saturated by June, 1990, if not before. Requests are
already being prepared to obtain funds to double its power and capacity.
The estimated cost for this expansion is approximately $9 million. Mike
Williams and the Computer Capacity and Planning Subcommittee want to
ensure that users of central computing facilities have adequate input
into the planning process. The subcommittee will elicit information
from users on their computing needs, probably through a questionnaire,
after the first of the year.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS COMMITTEE-Senator Thompson-17 Nov 89
The Wellness Program was discussed. The committee is continuing to
gather information with regard to the status of the wellness program
that is currently funded by the state. The indication is that such a
program can be made available to the University's employees at a
minimal cost to the individual. While the cost to the University is
unclear, the minimum cost appears to be one or more employees, space,
and any equipment, supplies, etc. that may be necessary.
The Peer Institution Assessment has been discussed with institutional
research. Institutional research is investigating the possibility that
some other group or institution may have made a recent survey. Thompson
and Doug Martin will further pursue this topic with institutional
research before the next meeting.
Three VSRS topics were discussed. These include the ability to purchase
prior service credit, COLA eligibility dates, and the ability of retirees
to purchase group life insurance. The committee unanimously agreed that
Doug Martin and Ken Martin should take these issues to the Virginia
Governmental Employees' Association for their consideration.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION-
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES COMMITTEE-Senator Dudley-no agenda was received,
therefore assumed no meeting.
LIBRARY COMMITTEE-Senator Duke-6 Dec 89
Director Gherman reported: SCHEV Task Force on Serial Prices is about
to issue a report--a principal aspect of the report: coordination.
Library Directors have reached agreement on providing access for
distance learning students.
Associate Director Foltin reported that the library was bringing its
practice into compliance with the Newspaper policy. The Provost has
transferred $250,000 to library budget for equipment ($100,000 was
being applied to the book budget). Some money may need to be returned
because of the 1% reversion. The Provost has decided to pick up the
tab for the membership in the American Research Libraries (ARL).
A discussion was begun on access versus ownership of information.
SCHOLARSHIP AND STUDENT AID COMMITTEE-Senator Kingston-No meeting
SELF-STUDY MONITORING COMMITTEE-Senator Arnold-No meeting
SUPPLEMENTAL GRANTS COMMITTEE-Senator Barker-No meeting
PARKING/TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE-Senator Polan-1 and 29 Nov
Mr. Richard Alvarez, the new Director of Public Safety, Health and
Transportation, met with the committee for the first time on November 1.
Two subcommittees were appointed: Traffic/Parking Appeals and Interview
for Traffic/Parking Manager. A round of interviews for candidates for
the manager's position are expected to occur in January.
FACULTY SENATE OF VIRGINIA-Senator Conn-1 Dec 89
Executive Committee of FSV met with Barry Dorsay and other members of
SCHEV staff in Richmond on December 1. Representatives of AAUP were also
present. Gordon Davies joined the meeting about half-way through.
Ann Pratt, staff director of the Commission on the University of the 21st
Century, briefly reviewed the recently published draft report of the
Commission, answered questions about it, and solicited input from
those in attendance as well as the faculty whom they represent.
Comments have to be received soon (within the next couple of weeks) if
they are to be taken into account in the final report.
Concerns were expressed about the lack of discussion in the draft report
regarding the role of faculty in governance.
SCHEV's budget analyst came in to discuss the upcoming budget
deliberations. Tightest situation since the '82-'84 biennium. Lucky if
higher education budget increases in total by 5-6% per year (compared
with 10% per year in past few years). SCHEV's budget recommendations
were presented. First priority for increments over base budget include
faculty salaries, equipment trust fund, additional assessment funds,
three new commonwealth centers. For VPI&SU: second priority--library
networking, computer mainframe, etc.; third priority--economic
development.
Toward the end of the meeting, Gordon Davies reported that the Governor
had just called for a freeze on capital projects in the budget bill (not
lottery-funded) and asked agencies to plan for the possibility of a 1%
reversion this year.
6. OLD BUSINESS
Letter to David Ford about the drillfield. Senator Goss asked for
comments on the proposed draft to assure she has captured the "sense of
the Senate." Comments will be incorporated and the letter will be sent
this week.
7. NEW BUSINESS
Earth Day Resolution. Senator Arnold moved and it was seconded to
approve the attached resolution supporting the celebration of Earth Day.
MOTION CARRIED.
"Straw Poll" on library recall policy. Senator Kingston asked if faculty
would be willing to sign a waiver allowing the library to divulge your
name to another faculty member who requested the book. There was
overwhelming support for this.
Pool use fees. Senator Kingston moved and it was seconded that the
Faculty Senate express its concern at the initiation of fee charges for
the use of pools during breaks given that university staff and graduate
students are here all year. MOTION CARRIED. President Scanlon will share
with Vice President Goodale.
Tenure. Senator Snoke shared a concern regarding the question of what
tenure means in practical terms. The second issue revolves around how
people find out they were promoted if it is not printed in Spectrum.
Senator Arnold moved and it was seconded that the executive officers
inquire of the senior administrative officers to how they stand with
regard to the General Council's statement. MOTION CARRIED.
Midterm grades. Senator Dudley moved and it was seconded that we pass
the attached resolution on interim grades. MOTION CARRIED.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:28 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Rosemary Carucci Goss, Secretary
ADDENDUM
Treasurer's Report
January 3, 1990
Balance on hand, 5 December 1989 $247.25
No deposits or withdrawals
Balance on hand, 3 January 1990 247.25